High-potential brands placed in prime zoning each season

Mame Kurogouchi spotlighted for 26FW after Akiranaka

High-touch strategy weighs materials, finish and design philosophy

Mame Kurogouchi FW collection [Courtesy of LF]
Mame Kurogouchi FW collection [Courtesy of LF]

LF's concept select shop Raum announced Friday that it is strengthening its portfolio by scouting global designer brands with a clear design philosophy and commitment to craftsmanship.

Each season, Raum selects high-potential designer brands and places them in its main zone. The strategy links initial buying to sales and repurchase data, feeding results into the following season's lineup.

Earlier, Raum introduced Japanese women's designer brand Akiranaka. For the 2026 fall/winter season, it is spotlighting Mame Kurogouchi in the Raum West main zone, where the brand's 2026 FW collection will be on display through Sept. 30.

Mame Kurogouchi is a Tokyo-based women's wear brand developed by designer Maiko Kurogouchi, known for textiles, jacquard and embroidery that blend craftsmanship with modern technology. Raum introduced the brand in South Korea during the 2025 FW season. Sales for the 2026 spring/summer season grew 30 percent over the previous season, and more than 80 percent of buyers made repeat purchases. In response, Raum expanded its 2026 FW buying volume by more than 40 percent.

The 2026 FW collection, titled "Transparent Landscapes," draws inspiration from mountain scenery and traditional Japanese "wa glass." The season also includes a leather accessories collection developed in collaboration with Japanese leather brand Tsuchiya Kaban.

Akiranaka is also building a loyal customer base quickly. Since its debut in the 2024 spring/summer season, more than 70 percent of buyers each season have been repeat customers. The average spend per customer for the 2026 SS season was about 30 percent higher than in 2024 SS. In July, Raum held a 2026 AW collection preview and a VIP styling class to expand the brand's presence.

Raum has posted growth for three consecutive years. Sales in the first half of 2026 rose about 53 percent compared with the same period in 2024. Spending by new customers increased 50 percent year on year, while the number of new customers aged 29 and under jumped 120 percent. The shop has also maintained a repurchase rate of 60 to 70 percent over the past three years.

"We will continue to discover and nurture global designer brands with the potential to grow into next-generation luxury," an LF official said.

Akiranaka 2026 AW preview [Courtesy of LF]
Akiranaka 2026 AW preview [Courtesy of LF]

andy@heraldcorp.com